Mauka (Mirabilis expansa)

The name is derived from the Aymara word mauka. Although the species Mirabilis expansa was described in 1794 it remained in obscurity until 1965 when it was re-discovered in the rural community of Yokarguaya, Camacho, Bolivia at 2900 masl. It is preferable to expose the roots to sunlight before consumption to remove their unpleasant bitter taste.